Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan should stop doing business with Muslim shops : Hindu organisations’ demand

Pahalgam Terror Attack Aftermath

Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) – Hindu organizations in Vrindavan have demanded that the Banke Bihari Temple stop doing business with Muslim-owned shops, citing a desire for religious purity and in response to a recent terrorist attack. However, the temple authorities have rejected this demand, emphasizing the historical and ongoing contributions of Muslim artisans and weavers to the temple’s traditions and the inclusive nature of their faith. Along with this, Muslim shopkeepers were asked to write the name of the owner on their shops.

Nagendra Maharaj, a member of the ‘Kashi Vidwat Parishad’, has appealed to Hindu shopkeepers not to do business with the Muslim community and not to give jobs to people from that community.

Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, the priest of the temple and a member of the management committee, said that Muslim artisans and weavers weave clothes for Banke Biharis. Muslim artisans also make items like crowns and bangles for the deity. Many Muslim devotees also come to the temple for darshan.

Demand is practically unreasonable – Temple Management Committee

The Banke Bihari Temple has rejected these demands, stating that religious discrimination has no place in their traditions and that faith and devotion take precedence over religious divisions. They have emphasized that Muslim artisans and weavers have historically been associated with the temple and have contributed to its traditions, including crafting the deity’s attire and accessories.